“Heavens!  She does not know—­”

“No! she knows nothing about our name or from whence we came.”

“Go on, Lenora; you excite my curiosity.  I see you want to teaze me to-day!”

“Well, father, if you are tired I will cut my story short.  Madame De Royan received me with great kindness, complimented me on my embroidery, asked me some questions about our misfortunes, and consoled and encouraged me generously.  ‘Go, my child!’ said she, as she gave me the linen; ’work with a good will and be prudent:  I will protect you.  I have a great deal of sewing to do,—­enough for two months at least.  But that would not be enough; I mean to recommend you to all my friends, and I mean to see that you are paid for your work in such a way that your father and yourself shall be above want.’  I took her hand and kissed it, for I was touched by the delicacy with which she give me work and not alms!  Madame De Royan understood me, and, laying her hand kindly on my shoulder, ‘Keep up your spirits, Lenora,’ said she; ’the time will come when you must take apprentices to help you, and so by degrees you will become mistress of a shop.’  Yes, father, that’s what she said; I know her words by heart.”

With this she sprang to her father, embraced him, and added, with considerable emotion,—­

“What say you to it, father?  Is it not good news?  Who knows what may come to pass?  Apprentices,—­a shop,—­a store,—­a servant:  you will keep the books and buy our goods, I will sit in the room and superintend the workwomen!  How sweet it is to be happy and to know that we owe all to the work of our hands!  Then, father, your promise will indeed be fulfilled, and then you may pass your old days happily.”

There was a look of such extreme serenity in Monsieur De Vlierbeck’s face, an expression of such vivid happiness was reflected from his wrinkled cheeks, that it was evident he had allowed his daughter’s story to bewitch him into entire forgetfulness.  But he soon found it out, and shook his head mournfully at the enchantress:—­

“Oh!  Lenora, Lenora, you witch! how easily have you managed to seduce me!  I followed your words like a child, and I really believed in the happiness you promised.  But let us be serious.  The shoemaker spoke to me again about the rent, and asked me to pay it.  We still owe him twenty francs, do we not?”

“Yes, twenty francs for rent, and about twelve francs to the grocer:  that’s all.  When the shirts are done we will give my wages on account to the shoemaker, and I know he will be satisfied.  The grocer is willing to give us longer credit.  I received two francs and a half for my last work.  You see very well, father, that we are still quite rich, and before a month is over will be out of debt entirely.”

Poor De Vlierbeck seemed quite consoled; and a gleam of fortitude shone in his black eyes as he approached the table, unrolling the paper he had brought with him on his return.